Chapter 2 - Every Friday Became Next Friday
The estate was managed by Douglas Vane, a polished, highly organized man who had worked for Julian for six years.
Douglas approved maintenance, scheduled staff, reviewed vendors, handled routine expenses, and oversaw household payroll.
Julian trusted him because Douglas made everything appear effortless.
That suddenly seemed less reassuring.
“Did you speak with Douglas?” Julian asked.
Tessa nodded.
“Several times.”
“And what did he say?”
Lucy answered.
“Every Friday, he says next Friday.”
Tessa looked embarrassed.
“At first he told me there was a banking issue. Then he said some payroll information had to be verified. This morning he told me the payment had finally been approved.”
“By whom?”
Tessa hesitated.
“By you.”
Julian stared at her.
“He said I personally approved your paycheck?”
“Yes.”
At that moment, Tessa’s phone rang.
She glanced at the screen and immediately looked anxious.
Lucy noticed.
“It’s Mr. Fallon.”
Tessa silenced the call.
Julian asked, “Who is Mr. Fallon?”
“Our landlord.”
The phone rang again.
Tessa looked deeply uncomfortable.
“I should take this somewhere else.”
Lucy shook her head.
“Mom, answer it here.”
“Lucy—”
“Please.”
Something in the child’s voice made Julian remain silent.
Tessa finally answered.
“Hello, Mr. Fallon.”
The man on the other end sounded tired rather than angry.
“Tessa, I need an answer tonight. I’ve already extended the deadline twice.”
Tessa closed her eyes.
“I know. I was told my salary would arrive today.”
“You said that last week too.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
There was a pause.
Then Tessa lowered her voice.
“Could you please give me until tomorrow morning? My daughter and I don’t have another place arranged yet.”
Julian looked at Lucy.
The child was staring at the floor.
The conversation ended a minute later.
Tessa slowly lowered her phone.
May you like
Lucy looked directly at Julian.
“That’s why I came to find you.”
